| 摘要 |
2072875 9106479 PCTABS00005 A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus (1) for safely depressurizing, de-capping, and recycling aerosol cans (11), propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops (43). The apparatus includes a sorting and loading unit (2) for guiding the cans onto an advancing line (10). The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit (3) comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle (70) which punctures the top cap and removes the propellants by suction. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit (4) where the cap member is removed by decrimping. The decrimper/decapper head includes a plurality of specially adapted pincers (80) for gripping and radially inwardly deforming the cap nozzle neck. The method includes unloading cans bottom side down, passing them at preselected, indexed intervals and rate along a disassembly line for depressurization, removal and recovery of propellants, and decapping. The can top, plastic dip tube assemblies, and residual solvents and chemical contents are recovered for disposal or recycling. The cans are washed, rinsed and dried. |
